As summer continues, the Genesee County Health Department (GCHD) reminds residents of the ongoing risk of Legionnaires’ Disease (LD). Although exposure can occur at any time of year, the number of LD cases is highest in the summer and early fall, because Legionella bacteria grow more easily in warmer conditions.
As of August 4th, there have been 14 confirmed cases of LD reported in Genesee County in 2023, compared to 11 cases in 2022, and 16 cases in 2021 during the same time periods.
The health department works closely with buildings and facilities in Genesee County to prevent Legionella from growing in commercial water systems.
Legionella bacterial can also grow in the home. The best way to prevent Legionella exposure at home is to
clean and maintain all devices that use water according to manufacturer guidelines. Some devices that may require maintenance include:
• Hot tubs or whirlpools
• Decorative fountains and water features
• Hot water tanks and heaters
• Humidifiers and nebulizers
Areas of construction that disturb dirt and soil, where Legionella bacteria is often found, can also create risk for exposure.
LD is not spread from person to person. Symptoms typically appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the bacteria. Symptoms can include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, headaches and sometimes diarrhea or mental status changes. Seek medical care if you begin to experience these symptoms.
Most healthy people do not get LD after being exposed to Legionella bacteria.
Individuals at higher risk of developing LD include:
• People 50 years or older
• Current or former smokers
• People with chronic lung disease such as emphysema or chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD)
• People with weakened immune systems from other underlying illnesses or
medications
Smoking dramatically increases the chances of developing LD for individuals who are exposed to the bacteria. Not smoking is the single most important thing that you can do to lower your risk of contracting LD.
• CDC Legionnaire’s Disease Fact Sheet: https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/downloads/fs-legionnaires.pdf
